"And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting oneself one protects others? By the pursuit, development, and cultivation of the four establishments of mindfulness. It is in such a way that by protecting oneself one protects others.

"And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting others one protects oneself? By patience, harmlessness, goodwill, and sympathy. It is in such a way that by protecting others one protects oneself.- Sedaka Sutta [SN 47.19]

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding: Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)

Exalted in mind, just open and clearly aware, the recluse trained in the ways of the sages:One who is such, calmed and ever mindful, He has no sorrows! -- Udana IV, 7

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding: Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)

Exalted in mind, just open and clearly aware, the recluse trained in the ways of the sages:One who is such, calmed and ever mindful, He has no sorrows! -- Udana IV, 7

My cousin Ed and I were volunteers in Washington, DC in 2006 when the Dalai Lama was in town to receive the US Congressional Medal of Honor. The Pray for Peace Concert was held at the Washington National Cathedral the same week to coincide with that event. On the bill were Jackson Brown, Krishna Das, the Tibetan monks from Namgyal (the Dalai Lama's home monastery) doing chant, Graham Nash and David Crosby, and others. Part of our job was to shuttle the monks around town to different events. The afternoon before the concert, the Cathedral was closed to the public for the sound check. Ed and I were waiting for the monks to come back from lunch; the doors were locked; we were the only two people in that massive building, other than Crosby and Nash and the music techs. Of course, they were doing Guinnevere. The absolute splendor of those two perfectly harmonized voices soared through the huge space, filling it. The afternoon light streamed through the stained glass rose window; the whole was infused with multicolored lights. It was so special, one of those totally unexpected moments of mind blowing, breath stopping beauty which life spreads before us so rarely; they are such a gift. "We shall be free...."Two years later Ed committed suicide; this song is our perfect moment. Miss you, Eddie.